Chelsea edged Brentford 2–0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to hand head coach Liam Rosenior his first Premier League victory, despite a performance that left the hosts second best for long spells.
Goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer proved decisive as Chelsea climbed above their west London rivals into sixth place, though the scoreline flattered the home side after Brentford dominated possession and fashioned the clearer chances.
The visitors started on the front foot, with Kevin Schade testing Chelsea early before choosing to square for Mikkel Damsgaard when a shooting chance beckoned. Brentford’s bright opening unsettled the hosts, who struggled to gain control in midfield.
Chelsea’s reply was controlled but lacked fluency. Palmer curled an effort over the bar, while Joao Pedro saw a penalty appeal dismissed before making the breakthrough in the 26th minute.
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Enzo Fernandez pressed high on the edge of the Brentford area, forcing an error from Michael Kayode. The loose ball fell invitingly to Joao Pedro, who drove a powerful finish beyond Caoimhin Kelleher to put Chelsea ahead.
Brentford responded with purpose. Damsgaard, Schade and Mathias Jensen all threatened, with Jensen striking the post, while Chelsea were reprieved when Alejandro Garnacho failed to convert from close range at the other end.
After the interval, Brentford resumed on the front foot and should have drawn level when Schade broke clear, only for Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to produce a fine one-on-one save.
Rosenior reshuffled, withdrawing Garnacho for Andrey Santos in a bid to shore up midfield, but the change invited further pressure as Brentford continued to probe.
The visitors squandered another gilt-edged chance when in-form striker Igor Thiago headed wide from close range, a miss that proved costly.
Chelsea punished the lapse moments later. A slack pass from Nathan Collins and hesitant goalkeeping from Kelleher allowed substitute Liam Delap to pounce, with the Brentford goalkeeper bringing him down in the box, paving the way for Chelsea to seal a hard-earned victory.
